Multi-Agency Resource Centers Ready To Assist Flood Victims in Newaygo and Osceola Counties; Centers To Connect People with State Aid and Other Resources

Contact: See contact information below. Agency: State Police

News Release No. 5 – April 21, 2014

LANSING – The Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) and its community-based partners will be opening multi-agency resource centers this week to assist victims affected by the recent severe weather and flooding in Newaygo and Osceola counties. On April 17, Gov. Rick Snyder declared a “state of disaster” for those counties, making available state aid and assistance to communities within the disaster areas.

“Our staff is ready and able to provide the assistance these victims need,” said Maura Corrigan, DHS director. “Along with our community partners, we have prepared a network of resources to help ensure aid gets to those in need quickly. People can then begin the clean-up and repair of their property—and their lives.”

In Newaygo County, the resource center will be located at:

St. Bartholomew Roman Catholic Church
599 West Brooks St.
Newaygo
Open Wednesday through Saturday, April 23-26
Hours 1-5 p.m.

In Osceola County, the resource center will be located at:

Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church
9878 U.S. 10
Evart
Open Wednesday and Friday, April 23 and 25
Hours Noon-4 p.m.

Both locations will have people representing many local assistance groups on hand, including the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, food and clothing pantries, home clean-up experts, tree and debris removal services and more.

In addition, DHS will have staff on site to help take in and begin processing applications for the State Emergency Relief (SER) program, providing immediate help to low-income individuals and families facing conditions of extreme hardship or emergencies that threaten health and safety. SER can assist applicants with safe, decent, affordable housing and other essential needs when an emergency situation arises. Those essential needs can include assisting with:

Repairs to the basic home structure.

Hot water heater.

Septic/waste disposal system.

Doors/windows.

Extermination services.

Electrical.

Plumbing.

Roofs.

Wells/water supply system.

Wheelchair ramps, etc.

DHS requests individuals in need of assistance visit one of the multi-agency resource centers in-person to fill out a paper application to expedite the process.

Due to the “state of disaster” declared by Snyder, some exceptions to usual SER program limits may be allowed for victims of the flooding. DHS personnel at the resource centers in Newaygo and Osceola counties will be able to assist clients with the process and help provide more information on any unique circumstances victims may be facing.

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The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is the emergency operations center for the state of Michigan. Located in Lansing, the SEOC is overseen by the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division and coordinates response and recovery efforts by state agencies and local government. The SEOC is staffed by members of state agencies for decision making and information coordination during disasters or emergencies in the state of Michigan.